What is Cholesterol?Cholesterol is a sterol (a combination steroid and alcohol). Cholesterol is a lipid found in the cell membranes of all tissues, and it is transported in the blood plasma of all animals. Because cholesterol is synthesized by all eukaryotes, trace amounts of cholesterol are also found in membranes of plants and fungi.The name originates from the Greek chole- (bile) and stereos (solid), and the chemical suffix -ol for an alcohol, as researchers first identified cholesterol in solid form in gallstones by Francois Poulletier de la Salle in 1769. However, it is only in 1815 that chemist Eugene Chevreul named the compound "cholesterine".[2]Most of the cholesterol is synthesized by the body and some has dietary origin. Cholesterol is more abundant in tissues which either synthesize more or have more abundant densely-packed membranes, for example, the liver, spinal cord and brain. It plays a central role in many biochemical processes, such as the composition of cell membranes and the synthesis of steroid hormones. Cholesterol is insoluble in blood, but is transported in the circulatory system bound to one of the varieties of lipoprotein, spherical particles which have an exterior composed mainly of water-soluble proteins. The main types, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) carry cholesterol from and to the liver.According to the lipid hypothesis, abnormally high cholesterol levels (hypercholesterolemia) and abnormal proportions of LDL and HDL are associated with cardiovascular disease by promoting atheroma development in arteries (atherosclerosis). This disease process leads to myocardial infarction (heart attack), stroke and peripheral vascular disease. As high LDL contributes to this process, it is termed "bad cholesterol", while high levels of HDL ("good cholesterol") offer a degree of protection. The balance can be redressed with exercise, a healthy diet, and sometimes medication. |
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Salt and Hypertension Evidence shows that cutting down on salt can reduce blood pressure, Animation showing how salt can affect blood pressure - from our salt website SALT AND BLOOD PRESSURE: CONVENTIONAL WISDOM RECONSIDERED Cutting back on salt not only lowers your blood pressure, but it lowers it by much more than previously thought, according to a new study in the New England 2 High Blood and salt Simple tips to eating less salt and sodium in your diet. High Blood Pressure - Tips to Eat Less Salt and Sodium Nevertheless, the argument is that salt increases blood pressure and that raised blood pressure causes stroke, brain haemorrhage and heart disease. Salt and high blood pressure. Reduce salt to lower high blood pressure This leads to a loss of salt from your body and this may cause low blood pressure, with dizziness or faintness when you stand up suddenly. Low blood pressure Got questions about Salt Intake and High Blood Pressure? Ask Joanne Larsen, Registered Dietitian and nutrition counselor. Ask the Dietitian - by Joanne Larsen MS RD LD - Salt & Sodium The salt-high blood pressure debate rages on, with new research showing mineral deficiencies may be more to blame. High Blood Pressure: Is Salt Really a Culprit? And all this leads to the final point about salt and blood pressure: the only rationale offered for reducing salt to reduce blood pressure (in some people) |
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